Google Code-in is an annual programming competition hosted by Google Inc. that allows pre-university students to complete tasks specified by various, partnering open source organizations. The contest was originally the Google Highly Open Participation Contest, but in 2010, the format was modified into its current state. Students that complete tasks win certificates and T-shirts. Each organization also selects two grand prize award winners who will earn a trip to Google's Headquarters located in Mountain View, California.[1][2]

Google Code-in Logo 2012

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The program began as Google Highly Open Participation Contest. In 2010, the program was modified into Google Code-in. In 2011, 18 organizations participated and there were 10 grand prize winners who went to Google's Headquarters.[3] In 2012, 10 organizations participated and there were 20 grand prize winners.[4] In 2013, one mentor from each organization met with the grand prize winners.[5] In 2014, 12 organizations are participating with 24 grand prize winners.[6]

Students must be between 13 and 17 years old (inclusive) to participate. In addition, students must upload parental consent forms as well as some documentation proving enrollment in a pre-university program.[7]

Google partners with certain open source organizations, all of which have had previous experience working with Google open source programs like Google Summer of Code. These organizations come up with "bite-sized" tasks that are self-contained, designed for pre-university students to complete. When the contest begins, students can register and claim tasks. Once claimed, students will have a set period of time to complete the task and can receive help from the mentor and the organization's community. Students may also ask for deadline extensions if needed.[8]

Students who complete one task earn a certificate. Students who complete three tasks earn a T-shirt in addition to the certificate. There is a maximum of one T-shirt and one certificate per student.[8] At the end of the competition, each organization will choose two students as the grand prize award winners and they will visit Google's Mountain View, California, USA headquarters for a four-day trip with an awards ceremony, an opportunity to meet with Google engineers, and a day of sightseeing in San Francisco.[9]